MP Indra Hang discusses strategic and developmental Issues of Sikkim with Raksha Mantri

GANGTOK,: Indra Hang Subba, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Sikkim, on Saturday called on Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri, Government of India, and discussed issues of strategic and developmental importance concerning the State of Sikkim.

During the meeting at New Delhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim conveyed New Year greetings to the Raksha Mantri and appreciated his leadership in strengthening India’s defence preparedness, particularly in strategically sensitive border areas. He highlighted Sikkim’s strategic location, sharing international borders with three neighbouring countries, and reiterated the State’s commitment to national unity, peace, and security, a press release informs.

Indra Hang apprised the Raksha Mantri of the disruption of the North Sikkim Highway following the Teesta flash floods of October 2023, which has adversely impacted civilian movement as well as defence logistics towards sensitive northern sectors.

While connectivity has been restored through an interim alignment by the Border Roads Organisation between Mangan and Naga, the MP pointed out that the route passes through an active landslide zone and may not be sustainable in the long term. He requested expeditious approval and implementation of the permanent alternative alignment under consideration to ensure safe and all-weather connectivity in North Sikkim.

The MP also raised issues having a bearing on inclusive development, including inclusion of 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes list, reservation of seats for Limboo and Tamang Scheduled Tribe communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, and facilitation of the visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to Sikkim. He sought the Raksha Mantri’s intervention in these matters as a senior leader of the National Democratic Alliance.

Further, Indra Hang drew attention to critical infrastructure concerns such as the vulnerability of National Highway-10, the only surface lifeline connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country, and the need for early resumption of Pakyong Airport. He emphasised the importance of long-term and sustainable solutions to strengthen connectivity and resilience in the border State.

The Raksha Mantri assured that the issues raised would be examined in consultation with the concerned ministries and agencies, the release mentions.